Shopping for a new guitar or amp often lands you between two familiar names. Guitar Center and Sam Ash have been the default stops for gear shoppers for decades.
On the surface they look almost interchangeable. Both stock the same big brands, and both pair a website with a buying experience built around volume.
Look closer, though, and they diverge on selection, service, and how they treat you once the box ships. Those differences are what’ll decide which one is right for you.
We start with a closer look at Sam Ash before lining the two up against each other.
Quick Comparison
| Category | Sam Ash | Guitar Center | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selection | Strong stock | Larger, around 300 stores | Guitar Center |
| Customer service | Attentive and hands-on | More self-serve | Sam Ash |
| Used gear | Sells used | Guaranteed good condition | Guitar Center |
| Shipping estimates | Reliable timelines | Less predictable | Sam Ash |
| In-store feel | Easier to navigate | Can feel overwhelming | Sam Ash |
| Online checkout | Quick guest checkout | Quick guest checkout | Tie |
| Overall | Service and guidance | Raw selection | Depends |
An Overview of Sam Ash
Sam Ash is known as “The World’s Favorite Music Store.” It was founded by Sam Ash (Ashkynase) in 1924, and since then the company has carried on a tradition of excellence by making music possible for its customers.
Sam Ash is the local store where aspiring and professional musicians alike go to try out the instrument or equipment they want. The company stocks everything from vintage collections to the latest instruments and guitars.
Sam Ash makes a point of understanding musicians’ needs because its team members are musicians too. From customer service to the people packing orders and staffing the call centers, the staff are obsessed with music.
No matter your ability or playing style, Sam Ash’s large inventory of sheet music and videos, accessories and instruments, computers and music software, and sound and recording equipment has you covered.
An Overview of Guitar Center
Guitar Center is home to one of the largest collections of musical instruments in the world. With around 300 stores spread across the United States, Guitar Center is a leading retailer for lessons, rentals, instruments, and repairs in the U.S.
For more than 50 years, the company has helped musicians make their music possible.
It was established in 1959 and has grown steadily over the years. Guitar Center now operates as one of the top direct sales websites in the industry, carrying a wide variety of instruments and equipment.
Whether you’re looking for recording software, drums, speakers, PA systems, stage equipment, guitars, and more, you can find them at Guitar Center’s 300 stores and online.
Sam Ash vs Guitar Center: In-Store Comparison
Both retailers run brick-and-mortar stores where you can play before you buy. Here’s how the two stack up once you walk through the door.
Ambiance and Customer Service
Because Guitar Center generally carries more stock than Sam Ash, its stores can feel more overwhelming. Whatever kind of guitar you’re after, you’re likely to find it at either store, and both let buyers try and test the instrument or equipment they want before purchasing.
Walk into either location and you’ll hear plenty of different sounds and instruments being played.
Sam Ash is known for strong sales representatives who stay with you through every step of the purchase. At Guitar Center, you’ll more often need to seek out a staff member yourself when you want assistance or want to check something out.
Stock and Brands
Overall, Guitar Center carries more varieties of brands and instruments than Sam Ash. If you don’t have a specific item in mind, that wider selection can actually make it harder to narrow things down, so it helps to browse online first before you visit.
As a general rule, if you’re after high-end Martins, Guitar Center is the place to look, while shoppers hunting for high-end Taylor models tend to have better luck at Sam Ash.
Sam Ash vs Guitar Center: Online Store Comparison
Since many shoppers prefer to research and buy online, both Sam Ash and Guitar Center run online stores that cover most music needs.
The Choices
Guitar Center is the larger retailer of multiple brands and instruments, so you’ll naturally have more choices there. Products are organized by bestsellers, department, and brand, which makes it easy to find a specific item.
Sam Ash also groups its products into brands and departments, but when it comes to sheer number of choices, Guitar Center comes out ahead.
Checkout Process
Both Sam Ash and Guitar Center keep checkout straightforward. Neither requires you to register or sign up before buying, and both let you check out as a guest.
Purchasing through either online store is quick and easy. That said, if you want to get more out of their online services and receive updates, it’s worth signing up and registering an account.
Shipping and Returns
If you want the most realistic shipping timeline, Sam Ash tends to give reliable shipping estimates. Guitar Center, on the other hand, is a strong choice for used gear and instruments, which it guarantees to be in good condition.
If you aren’t satisfied with a product, both Sam Ash and Guitar Center allow you to return and replace it, and neither charges additional fees for returns.
How Sam Ash and Guitar Center Compare
We’ve covered the strengths and weaknesses of each retailer. Here’s how they stack up side by side.
| Factor | Sam Ash | Guitar Center |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1924 | 1959 |
| Selection | Large | Largest, more brands |
| In-store service | Hands-on sales reps | Self-directed |
| Online choices | Broad, organized | Broadest |
| Shipping estimates | Reliable | Standard |
| Used gear | Available | Strong, condition guaranteed |
For raw selection, Guitar Center edges ahead thanks to its larger store count and deeper brand catalog. For attentive, hands-on customer service, Sam Ash is the more comfortable place to shop, especially if you want guidance through the buying process.
Brand preference can also tip the decision: Guitar Center is the stronger bet for high-end Martins, while Sam Ash is better for high-end Taylor models. On the online side, Guitar Center wins on the number of choices, while Sam Ash earns trust with more realistic shipping estimates.
Both honor easy, fee-free returns, so you’re protected either way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sam Ash or Guitar Center cheaper?
Pricing is closely matched because both retailers stock the same major brands and frequently run promotions. The better deal usually depends on current sales, clearance items, and used inventory rather than one store being consistently cheaper than the other.
It’s worth checking both online stores for the specific item you want before deciding, since prices and stock vary by location and over time.
Can you try guitars before buying at both stores?
Yes. Both Sam Ash and Guitar Center let you play and test instruments in store before you commit.
Walk into either location and you’ll find guitars set up and ready to play.
Trying a guitar in person is the best way to judge how it feels and sounds, so take advantage of this at either retailer.
Which store has better customer service?
Sam Ash has a reputation for attentive sales representatives who help you through every step of the purchase. At Guitar Center, you’re more likely to seek out a staff member yourself when you need help.
If you value hands-on guidance, Sam Ash tends to be the more comfortable shopping experience.
Do both stores sell used gear?
Yes, both retailers sell used instruments and equipment. Guitar Center is especially well regarded for used gear and guarantees its used items to be in good condition.
If you’re shopping the used market, it’s worth comparing what each store has available, since used inventory changes constantly.
Final Thoughts
Sam Ash and Guitar Center are undeniably the top music retailers, both in store and online. You can rely on either to offer plenty of choices and stock from the most popular brands.
Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but together they remain the go-to names for high-end music gear and instruments.
Depending on the stock, the buyer, and the product you want, both stores stay competitive, and your experience at one branch may differ from another. There’s no single clear winner overall, so the right choice comes down to your priorities: lean toward Guitar Center for the widest selection and Sam Ash for hands-on service.
Whether you’re a fan of Guitar Center or a loyal Sam Ash customer, you can count on convenience and a wide range of options. Browse both online before you visit, play the guitars in person, and pick the store that best fits the way you like to shop.
